Introduction:
Beef Mechado is a delicious Filipino dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender beef, flavorful sauce, and a mix of hearty vegetables, it’s a meal that’s sure to please everyone. This recipe is simple, easy to make, and will have your family asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
1 kilogram beef chunks
⅓ cup soy sauce
½ sliced lemon (juice)
Ground black pepper (to taste)
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 medium potatoes, cubed
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
Cooking oil
180g tomato sauce
1 beef broth cube
Thai chili (optional)
4 bay leaves
Water (as needed)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the beef chunks, soy sauce, lemon juice, and ground black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Saute the Aromatics: In a pan, heat some cooking oil. Add the garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant.
- Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute. Add the bay leaves and the marinade sauce. Stir and cover. Let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and mix well. Then, add 2 cups of water, the beef broth cube, and Thai chili (optional). Stir again, cover, and cook for 40 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beef becomes tender. Add water as needed to ensure the beef cooks properly.
- Add Vegetables: Once the beef is tender, add the carrots and potatoes. Cook until the vegetables are soft. Add the bell pepper and cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Once the dish is ready, serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dish. Enjoy!
Methods:
The method for making Beef Mechado is straightforward. First, you marinate the beef to ensure it absorbs all the savory flavors. Then, you sauté the garlic and onion to bring out the aroma before adding the marinated beef. Cooking the beef slowly ensures it becomes tender and flavorful. The addition of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper provides great texture and color to the dish.
